A new national model is being built for the continuous learning of professional teachers
The VALOHUB project, which was launched at the beginning of March, brings together five Finnish vocational teacher training colleges to support the competence of teachers in vocational education and polytechnics. The project creates cost-effective and nationally uniform structures to ensure the competence of teachers in a changing operating environment.
VALOHUB (National Vocational High-Quality Education Hub) project started on March 1, 2026, and will continue until the end of August 2028. The project is centered on a network of five vocational teacher training colleges (AOKK): Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK), Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK), Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences (JAMK) and Oulu University of Applied Sciences (Oamk).
The need for standardized models is clear
The field of vocational education is facing major changes. According to surveys on working conditions in the education sector, teachers have less time than ever for professional development, even though the need to update their skills is constant. At the same time, previous funding models, such as staff training in the education sector, have been phased out, forcing educational institutions to seek new ways to organize and resource professional development.
Until now, models for teachers’ continuous learning have often been regional and fragmented. The goal of the VALOHUB project is to build a research-based and standardized model that supports teachers at different stages of their careers. Particular attention is paid to the so-called induction phase, i.e., supporting newly graduated teachers.
HAMK is actively involved in the development of career paths
Häme University of Applied Sciences plays a significant role in the project, as it is responsible for developing the provision and structures for the continuing education of teaching staff within its own area of operation, in collaboration with its partner network. HAMK’s goal is to create a career path model that clarifies the opportunities for teachers to develop their skills in a flexible and systematic manner.
“It’s great that we’re bringing all of Finland’s vocational teacher training colleges together around the same table. Our goal is to create models that integrate professional development more closely into the day-to-day operations and strategic management of educational institutions.”
Tuomas Eerola, Project Manager at HAMK
The project also makes use of small units of learning and digital badges to verify learning outcomes in a more flexible manner.
Impact through broad collaboration
The project is not limited to planning; the models are being piloted at partner educational institutions across Finland. The outcome will be recommendations for strategic competence management and tested structural models for use by educational institutions. The goal is to ensure high-quality instruction and improved learning outcomes across the entire field of vocational education and training.
This is what it’s all about
- Project
VALOHUB – National Hub for High-Quality Vocational Education - Duration
1.3.2026-31.8.2028 - Partners
Tampere University of Applied Sciences
Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences
Oulu University of Applied Sciences
Häme University of Applied Sciences
Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences - Funders
The European Social Fund Plus (ESF+); the national funding Northern Finland Economic Development Centre.
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